Senate Vote Stalled Over “Anti-Weaponization” Fund

On July 15, 2026, Acting U.S. Attorney General Todd Blanche testified before the Senate Judiciary Committee on his nomination. Republican senators John Cornyn of Texas and Thom Tillis of North Carolina indicated they will not support advancing his nomination until they receive a written amendment to the Trump-IRS settlement that formally ends the controversial “anti-weaponization” fund. The committee’s vote, scheduled for Thursday, could fail without their backing, and the senators have hinted the vote might be postponed.

CNN

In May, former President Donald Trump announced a $1.776 billion “anti-weaponization” fund intended to compensate individuals who claim they were wrongly targeted by the Justice Department. The fund was part of a settlement that also required Trump to drop a $10 billion lawsuit against the IRS over the alleged unauthorized disclosure of his tax information. After the settlement’s announcement, Blanche—who previously served as Trump’s criminal-defense attorney—signed an addendum that barred the government from continuing any existing audits of tax returns filed by Trump, his family, and their companies. Critics have described the fund as a potential slush-pot for paying supporters of the Jan. 6, 2021 Capitol attack.

Todd Blanche’s AG prospects uncertain as 2 key GOP votes hold out

Blanche repeatedly asserted during his July 15 hearing that “the weaponization fund is dead” and that the tax addendum binds only the IRS and Treasury, not other federal agencies. Cornyn has stressed that the original settlement establishing the fund has not been formally rescinded and that he needs a written document confirming the fund’s termination before he can vote. Tillis echoed this stance, saying he remains unwilling to commit without seeing the settlement revised. Both senators noted that the Justice Department has been “radio silent” on the matter.

Todd Blanche’s AG prospects uncertain as 2 key GOP votes hold out

If the written assurances are not provided, the Senate Judiciary Committee’s Thursday vote is expected to fail, jeopardizing Blanche’s confirmation. Cornyn warned that, should the vote falter, Senate Judiciary Chairman Chuck Grassley might consider postponing the vote. The outcome will determine whether the administration can move forward with Blanche as attorney general amid ongoing controversy over the fund’s existence.

CNN

• July 15, 2026 – Blanche testifies; Cornyn raises concerns about the fund.

Todd Blanche’s AG prospects uncertain as 2 key GOP votes hold out

• July 27, 2026 – Cornyn reiterates that a written commitment is required; Tillis remains undecided.

Todd Blanche’s AG prospects uncertain as 2 key GOP votes hold out

• Early July 2026 – DOJ reportedly silent on the senators’ demands, prompting further delay considerations.

CNN